Around 150 years ago, possibly right where you're sitting now, American settlers were busy kicking Native Americans off their land.
Around 150 years ago, possibly right where you're sitting now, American settlers kicked Native Americans off the land they had lived on for generations. Such is the allure of natural resources and the pull of life-altering wealth.
But even though the Wild West's treasure trove of riches didn't exist like so many thought it did, Americans persisted by waging war against a population just trying to retain their homelands. And wouldn't you know it, we emerged victorious!
Here are 20 photos of the American Wild West being "won."
2
The Battle of Fish Creek, part of the North-West Rebellion. 1885. Fisk Creek, Saskatchewan.
3
Cañon del Muerto, 1905.
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And a lone man, Montana, early 1900s.
6
Sheriff of Yavapai County, in his office. 1890's.
8
“Killed by General Custer" Sterographs of the Black Hills, 1874.
9
Carrying a wounded man from the Battle of Slim Buttes, Dakota Territory. 1876.
10
Small town, California, 1900.
11
Oklahoma Territory, 1893.
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And his native scouts, 1901.
13
South Dakota, 1876, when soldiers were ordered to pursue Cheyenne and Sioux Indians after the Battle of the Little Bighorn. They resorted to killing horses and mules for food.
14
In Front of a Tipi, Montana, early 1900s.
15
H. Cook's Headquarters Saloon in Augusta, Montana, 1900.
16
During the Black Hills Expedition in the Summer 1874.
18
Marking the 10 year anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, 1886, Montana.
19
Named "White Man Runs Him" Pictured in 1926 at the 50th anniversary of the battle.
20
New sewers getting put into Alvarado Street in 1887.
